KV7013 - User Interaction and Usability Testing

This will combine a theoretical grounding with hands-on, practical experience, using a blend of interactive lectures, lab sessions, workshops, and project-based learning. You will engage with a variety of research-rich and industry-led approaches, exploring key UX evaluation methods and applying them in both simulated and real-world contexts.
You will learn through:
• Lectures and seminars that introduce and critically examine UX evaluation frameworks, usability metrics, and current trends in HCI, with a focus on emerging technologies such as mobile, wearable, and ubiquitous systems.
• Hands-on lab sessions where you will use industry-standard tools (e.g., eye-tracking software, prototyping platforms, usability testing environments) to apply methods like heuristic evaluation, cognitive walkthroughs, and user testing.
• Group workshops and design critiques that promote peer learning, reflective practice, and collaborative problem solving.
• Independent and guided project work where you will plan, conduct, and analyse a real-world UX evaluation, iteratively refining your approach based on feedback.
• Formative feedback embedded throughout the module to help you strengthen your experimental designs, analytical thinking, and reporting skills.

The teaching approach is collaborative which will encouraging active learning, critical reflection, and the development of transferable skills. By engaging with realistic evaluation challenges and working with authentic technologies, you will build a deep and practical understanding of user experience research in contemporary HCI practice.

You will learn through lectures, workshops, and independent study. The lectures will cover theories and concepts that will enable you to tackle a series of guided experimental design and UX activities. Using real-world case studies, you will work on these during workshops and hands-on sessions in Northumbria’s CIS building computer labs, which are fully equipped with the latest industry-standard software – you will also have access to additional IT resources to help with your experimental work.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO1. Critically evaluate and apply UX theories, frameworks, and methods relevant to the assessment of existing and emerging technologies, with a particular emphasis on ubiquitous, wearable, and mobile systems.
• MLO2. Develop knowledge and understanding of methods and techniques for the specification of interaction design and testing requirements.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO3. Design, plan, and conduct UX evaluation studies using a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including heuristic evaluation, cognitive walkthroughs, eye-tracking, and user task performance testing.
• MLO4. Analyse and interpret empirical user data to generate actionable insights and evidence-based recommendations for enhancing user experience and interface design.


Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO5. Demonstrate reflective and ethical awareness in the design and execution of user research, taking into account cultural, spatial, temporal, and contextual factors that influence user behaviour and interaction.

The main element of summative assessment (100%) will be a final report (2000 words in length) and accompanying analysis (based on a sample set of experimental data) that brings together the testing plans, findings/analysis and evaluations.
This assessment addresses Module Learning Outcomes; MLO1, MLO2, MLO3, MLO4 & MLO5.

You will receive both informative and confirmatory feedback on your assessments, which can be used to feed-forward into other modules.

Formative assessment will take place through workshop activities which make use of real-world case studies and interaction design/UX activities which mirror the final assessment requirements, addressing Module Learning Outcomes MLO1, MLO2, MLO3, MLO4 & MLO5.

Formative feedback will be given throughout the module on workshop activities you are required to complete.

Programme (Level) Learning Outcomes that this module contributes to:

This Level 7 Module addresses the following PLOs as listed in the relevant programme specifications:


K&U: 1, 3
IPSA: 1, 2, 3
PVA: 1, 2

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This module provides a foundation in the evaluation of existing and emerging technologies within the context of interaction design and user experience (UX). Emphasising the importance of evidence-based UX practices, the module introduces of UX methods and frameworks for evaluating technology deployments, ensuring alignment with user needs, goals, and contexts of use.
The module focuses particularly on ubiquitous computing environments, with a strong emphasis on wearable and mobile technologies. Students will explore how these technologies are reshaping user interaction paradigms and the unique challenges they present in usability testing and experience evaluation. A core component of the module is the investigation of both qualitative and quantitative usability metrics. This includes tracking technologies to analyse user behaviour understanding visual attention and cognitive load, as well as heuristic evaluations, user task performance and cognitive walkthroughs. Students will engage in hands-on practical work, using tools and methodologies to assess real-world systems, culminating in critical evaluations and recommendations for design improvement.
Assessment is practical and iterative, with constructive feedback supporting each stage of the experimental process—from requirement gathering to final evaluation. This real-world emphasis ensures students gain not only technical research skills but also reflective and analytical capabilities. The module equips students with key competencies in UX research, usability testing, and user-centred design—making it ideal preparation for careers in UX/UI design, digital product development, and user research.